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View Full Version : Suggestions for "Big Brother Watching" monitoring apps for business networks...

YeOldeStonecat
06-24-04, 01:29 PM
Client who wants to keep an eye on employees who abuse "Instant Messaging" at the office.

I've never had to cross this road before, I know there's stuff like Spector Pro, etc. Just looking for opinions if anyone's had to go down this road before.
ScottE
06-25-04, 09:06 AM
Don't know exactly what he's looking for, but you can log how many times an application starts and how long it's open for with NT server/workstation.

Don't know if that's what he's looking for though.
Burke
06-25-04, 10:14 AM
Employees abuse IM in office environments??? :eek:
Roody
06-25-04, 10:49 AM
Employees abuse IM in office environments??? :eek:

Novel concept :D
YeOldeStonecat
06-25-04, 11:32 AM
I think I'll propose SpectorCNE, they have a Corporate Network Edition one.
http://www.spectorcne.com/
500 bucks for a 10 user.

Allows you to remotely install and monitor, transparent to the user.
Ken
06-25-04, 12:47 PM
I think I'll propose SpectorCNE, they have a Corporate Network Edition one.
http://www.spectorcne.com/
500 bucks for a 10 user.

Allows you to remotely install and monitor, transparent to the user.
Good thread topic SCat! Let us know how it goes...
cyberskye
06-25-04, 01:16 PM
YOSC - make sure that the client has a policy document (employee handbook whatever) that states clearly that all machines, sw, and activity conducted on the same are the sole property of the company.

Some states have privacy laws that are a little extreme.

For example: in Maryland it is illegal to record a phone converstation without both party's knowledge. Even in a call center, you need to spell out the fact that it could happen at any time or the rep can sue their boss!
TonyT
06-25-04, 01:23 PM
Cheap Solution:

Have the mgmt post a notice to all employees that the network is now employing software that monitors IM usage and all clients' times and activities are now being monitored by said software.

Make sure the announcement complies w/ state laws as was suggested above.

Then, don't install any monitoringt software at all. The 'threat' alone will probably be enough to keep employees' work ethics in line.

Then occasionally look at teh server logs to see what clients are using which external IM services based on ip addresses of clients and ip addresses of IM servers.
YeOldeStonecat
06-25-04, 01:57 PM
When first approached about this, I told them they first need to implement a computer use policy. They are making one up. After spending time on Spectorsoft's website, I found they have an excellent one written up. I suggested that as step 1.

http://www.spectorcne.com/images/PDF/WP_AcceptableUsePolicy.pdf

Forwarded to the office manager of this client.

What makes it harder, is they are allowing occasional use of IM, so they don't want to completely prevent IM from being used. It's just a couple of the younger paralegals who seem to be doing nothing all day but yacking on IM. So this should let them see (literally) just how much goofing off is going on.